The best backpacks or laptop bags 2018

Finding the best rucksack or satchel to keep your laptops, tablets and other tech safe on the go

Here at T3 we have scoured the vast reaches of tech-luggage-obscurity to find the best backpacks and laptop bags around. Whether you're looking for svelte, business style messengers, high-end designer backpacks or rugged, water-resistant rucksacks, we've got you covered.

Both laptops and tablets are getting slimmer and lighter, so they're important investments that you need to protect. And while a sleeve or cover can be handy at times, nothing screams full-on protection quite like a backpack or laptop bag.

You also need a means of carting around all your chargers, batteries, cameras, e-readers, selfie sticks, fidget spinners, and copies of T3 magazine etc.

From stylish to monstrously rugged, these are the bags of gold.

How to buy the best backpack for you

Whether you're trekking across Europe, looking for a new satchel for work, or starting a new school term, choosing the right backpack is essential. Not only should it look good, but it needs to be comfortable, and, of course, be big enough to carry all of your stuff.

Let's start off with size. Generally, a small backpack is around 6-10 litres. These are great for children, days out, and sports wear. A medium-sized daypack is around 10-30 litres, ideal of commuting and hiking. Over 35-litres and you're looking at overnight camping trips and backpacking expeditions.

We're going to be focusing on daypacks in this feature, but you can checkout our guide to the best backpacks for travelling, if that's more your bag.

Next, you need to decide the type of protection you need. Do you walk to work, come rain or shine? You might need a fully waterproof 'pack. If you want the ultimate protection, then maybe the North Face Access Pack, complete with exoskeleton, is more suited to you.

Finally, comfort. If you're going to be lugging this thing around all day, you're going to want padded straps. Your shoulders will thank you later. Other comfort features to look out for are waist and chest straps. These aren't the last word in fashion, but they take the strain off your shoulders.

These are the 12 best backpacks, rucksacks and laptop bags:

1. Eastpak Austin Nylon Backpack

It's stylish, durable, and affordable, what more could you ask for?

Reasons to buy

The Austin backpack from Eastpak features a slightly more mature design than its famous Pak'R, making it ideal for University or your first job. It's made from hard-wearing nylon and has cushioned straps to ensure comfort, even when you're carrying the entire library on your back.

There are two external zipped pockets and an interior padded laptop sleeve. Best of all, Eastpak is so confident in the quality and durability of its backpacks that it offers a 30-year warranty.

2. Patagonia Arbor 26L Backpack

We love this 100-percent recycled pack form outdoors brand Patagonia

Reasons to buy

Made from 100-percent recycled polyester and treated with a polyurethane coating and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish - we really rate this pack from outdoor brand Patagonia.

It's equipped with a padded laptop sleeve which doubles as an insulated hydration reservoir when you hit the trails, and features Human Curve shoulder straps which ergonomically fit your body.

3. Tom Ford Camouflage-Print Nubuck Backpack

A luxury backpack ready for the urban jungle

Reasons to buy

+Great brand+Camo pattern+Chunky zips+Soft nubuk leather

This Tom Ford backpack is a smart and practical item for your wardrobe, and could be paired with casual or more formal dress. It's made in Italy from velvet-soft nubuck leather, which actually grows even more supple with age.

The camouflage print is punctuated with bold, polished gold hardware. The interior is twill-lined, with enough space to carry your daily essentials.

4. Filson Ranger Leather-Trimmed Twill Backpack

This ruggedly handsome backpack will look right at home in a Soho Farmhouse

Reasons to buy

+Rugged materials+Rustic design+Padded shoulders+Large capacity

Inspired by vintage forestry bags, this hardwearing 'Ranger' backpack from Filson is cut from durable twill (engineered to resist wear and tear) and canvas. We can see it looking like part of the set at Soho Farmhouse. It's the perfect bag if you tend to abuse yours.

With approximately 22-litres of interior space, so plenty of room for a laptop, essentials, and a hoodie or pair of trainers. The straps are padded for comfort.

5. Herschel Casual Daypack Heritage

Wanna look preppy? Check out this classic backpack from Herschel

Reasons to buy

+Classic design+Affordable+Space for 15-inch laptop+Comfortable

Going for that preppy look? The Herschel Heritage backpack is a classic, functional design that will treat you well. It's cut from canvas, with leather accents to add a touch of class. The pack is finished with a diamond-shaped accent and woven label.

6. Brooks England Transit Linen Pickwick

Designed in London, this backpack is effortlessly stylish

Reasons to buy

The Pickwick 26-litre is a versatile canvas roll-top backpack with a design, which, according to Brooks "complements the ease that epitomises a urban journey by bicycle".

It's made from water-resistant cotton and features genuine Brooks leather trim. The Pickwick has been designed by André Klauser in London and is manufactured in the hills of Tuscany by Italian artisans.

There's enough space for a 15-inch laptop. The pockets and roll-top system close toward your back, maintaining a sleek appearance while keeping your belongings to safe.

7. Cath Kidston Oxford Rose Backpack

We love this bold pattern

Reasons to buy

+Standout pattern+Roomy+Padded straps

If you're after a backpack with a bold pattern, look no further than this pack from Cath Kidston. We really love the green and pink colour scheme printed on the waterproof oilcloth. It really stands out.

Inside there's a padded section to keep your laptop secure, and plenty of room for A4 folders and essentials.

8. Off-White Camouflage-Print Canvas Backpack

A stylish backpack from on of the hottest designers right now

Reasons to buy

Virgil Abloh, founder of Off-White is pretty bust right now, between his new job as Creative Director at Louis Vuitton, working on an IKEA collab, and partying at the Met Gala, he must be travelling around a lot. If you find yourself in the same position as Abloh, a sturdy backpack is a must.

This Off-White pack is made from rugged canvas and features tough nylon straps. Inside there's enough space for a laptop, change of clothes, and other essentials. The backpack is tagged with Abloh's signature meta quotations.

Vintage styling with everyday usability

Reasons to buy

The pack features a simple drawstring closure, which is great when you quickly need to whip out your laptop in a coffee shop, a padded laptop compartment, and a quick access accessory pocket.

Yep, it may look retro, with it's vintage canvas and faux leather details, but this is a thoroughly modern backpack. It's built to last as well, with a lift time warranty.

10. Paul Smith Textured-Leather Backpack

A luxury leather backpack from one of our favourite British designers

Reasons to buy

+Luxury textured leather+Canvas lined sleeve+Understated+Great size

We love the clear, sophisticated design of this Paul Smith backpack. It's equally suited to carrying to business meetings as well as on weekend travels.

The pack is made from black textured-leather, features a zipped pocket at the mesh-panelled back and striped webbing shoulder straps in a muted maroon, grape and navy shades. It's very subtle, and makes it that little bit more special than an all-black design.

The canvas-lined interior features a tablet sleeve for storing electronic devices.

11. Eastpak Out of Office

A classic from Eastpak, now with a modern twist

Reasons to buy

+Classic design+Iconic brand+Cool patterns

The Out of Office pack is a simple, stylish design which comes in a number of different prints - we love the Parrot m in the company's AW16 collection.

Now more commonly found in the school playground than war zones, Eastpak has continued to be a market leader.

The Out of Office pack is a simple, stylish design which comes in a number of different prints - we love the Parrot motif in the company's AW16 collection.

The backpack features a separate laptop compartment, and shoulder pads with SGS.

12. Fjällräven Kanken

Fjällräven is so hot right now, but good luck pronouncing it

Reasons to buy

+Carry handle+Cute branding+Practical design

This Swedish outdoorsy firm was born from the idea of creating more a comfortable 'carrying system'.

The Kanken, specifically, was created in 1978 to help prevent back problems among school children. This modern (yet still classic) backpack is stylish and practical, with space for a 13-inch Macbook (or smaller).

The water-repellent body is built to last, and a carry handle wins points for simplicity and versatility.

13. Mammut Xeron Courier 25

A great all-rounder from Swiss mountaineering brand

Reasons to buy

+Fast access+Separate laptop entrance+Four colours

This 25-litre courier style backpack is practical and attractive, perfect for both communing and day trips.

The large rolltop allows fast access to the main compartment which is divided with a large mesh pocket. There's also a laptop compartment, which can be accessed through a separate zip pocket (very useful for airport security).

The internal laptop compartment is reinforced with a backplate to keep belongings protected, and the pack comes in four muted colours.

14. Knomo Dale

Sleek, stylish, and deceptively practical

Reasons to buy

+Small but roomy+Premium leather design+Comfortable

Knomo's Dale is deceptively roomy, even though its footprint it pretty small. We love the premium, leather design.

The bag is separated into multiple sections, a back space with a padded laptop and tablet pocket, while the front part can hold plenty of cables, plus books and such like. Both pockets are protected by sturdy zips and the straps are notably comfy to wear for extended periods of time.

It can be carried like a tote or worn like a backpack, so it's two bags in one, really.

15. The North Face Access

Uses a steel exoskeleton to keep your tech safe

Reasons to buy

+Exoskeleton protection+Ejects tech+Button opening

The North Face Access pack is perhaps the most advanced on this list - with a steel exoskeleton to keep your tech safe, and a shell design which pops open at the press of a button. It even 'ejects' your tech to make it more accessible.

The pack features comfortable 'Flex Vent' shoulder straps. The contrasting yellow interior features four pouches and two zip entry pockets. It'll fit laptops up to 15-inches in size.

16. Tumi Alpha Bravo Knox

Secure as Fort Knox, it can certainly take a beating

Reasons to buy

+Durable+Used by Hamilton and Rosberg+Smart euro-traveller chic

This backpack is named after one of the most secure places on the planet for a reason - because Tumi is known for its quality, durability, and all-around sturdiness.

This pack is chunky and tough enough to keep your tech sleeping softly inside on a mountain climb, while still ensuring you look dapper for a lunchtime meeting.